Traumatic ulnar translocation of the carpus: early recognition and treatment

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2012 Oct;37(8):755-64. doi: 10.1177/1753193412436626. Epub 2012 Feb 22.

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and radiographic features of surgically treated traumatic ulnocarpal translocation in nine patients (ten cases). All ligament and fracture repairs were completed within 2 months of injury. Seven cases were examined at a mean of 6.5 years, and information in three cases was obtained from medical records at a mean of 13 months after injury. At final evaluation, the mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 6 (range, 0-16), and the mean Mayo modified wrist score was 76 (range, 40-100). Ulnocarpal translocation was evident in nine of the injured wrists, six of which showed arthritis, and in four of the uninjured wrists. Ulnar variance measured negative in nine cases and neutral in one case. Pre-existing medial alignment of the carpus and ulnar minus variance may predispose to traumatic ulnocarpal translocation. Early injury repair does not assure restoration of radiocarpal alignment or prevent joint deterioration; however, these changes do not always portend a suboptimal result.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carpal Joints / diagnostic imaging
  • Carpal Joints / injuries
  • Carpal Joints / surgery*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / surgery*
  • Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries
  • Ligaments, Articular / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wrist Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist Injuries / surgery*